I removed a silver cover from a tray and saw a salad. A maid came from behind and took the covers.
Chelsea cut into her salad and asked me, “You married?”
My gaze drifted to the hot muscular man beside me and I thought of his proposal. My heart raced. “No.”
We all ate a few bites of our salad. Maybe I’d avoided relationships as I didn’t want more burdens on my shoulder. Being open to love risked losing more, but if I said yes to a business deal, that fear was gone. Plus, I’d get Chelsea and a place where I fit in that wasn’t a hospital. Chelsea finished her greens, and she asked me, “Do you have other children in your home already?”
I finished my plate, put my fork down and shook my head. “No.” A waiter cleaned up after me like I was at a restaurant, and I stiffened but continued, “When the hospital called me and mentioned my name in a will, I dropped everything to get here.”
The server took her plate too, and Chelsea said, “I wish we’d have met before, but I’ve not changed my mind. I’m staying here.”
Of course. In my house, she’d have to make her own sandwiches. I had my two hands, but servers started bringing in more plates.
Carter said, “The chef made lemon piccata chicken. Your favorite, Chelsea.”
My neck was hot, and I turned toward him and crossed my legs. If I did stay here, then we’d have to discuss sex. My throat became parched and I sipped water fast. Honestly, I couldn’t even fathom how that would feel with him.
I nodded. “Sounds good.”
I saw how his father doubled his serving and added salt. My nose wrinkled.
Carter's leg next to mine sent sparks in my thighs and we were both wearing clothes. My imagination was out of control. I finished my water and a server refilled me.
I stayed quiet until we weren’t interrupted. “I don’t mean to react.”
“You’re not.” He winked and then tapped the table. “Pop, you know you can’t eat that much.”
His father glared at me and my skin practically burned. I had no rights here and pivoted to get up.
Carter wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Sit, stay, and enjoy. Would you like a glass of wine?”
Now my skin had goosebumps. Wow. I glanced up at him. “White would be good. And I should tell you that your father shouldn’t eat too much cream sauce.”
Hudson Rockson’s lips were so downturned that his wrinkles showed. “I eat what I want.”
Carter winked at me. “If you choose to stay, Ridley, I’d love for you to discuss the best foods for my father.”
His father shook his head, but then Chelsea asked, “Stay?”
My heart pattered. Our hands touched and the zap sent adrenaline through me.
I turned toward the young girl. “I’ve not made any decisions. Would that be okay with you, Chelsea?”
She raised her eyebrows and asked, “Would you tell me more about my mom when she lived with you?”
This time my cheeks curled up and a quick memory of Chloe and me swinging in the backyard to see who could get highest played in my mind. “Absolutely.”
She put her food on her fork. “I hope you say yes then.”
I saw her mother in her. Carter might give me the family I always wanted, just not in the traditional sense, but it was more than I expected. Marrying him would be a dream come true, if I was honest with myself.
Carter gently massaged my arm. “Me too, Ridley.”
If I said yes, then I’d find out what being with Carter was like, too.
My stomach had butterflies at the idea, and I said, “We scheduled that discussion for in the morning Carter.”
I shrugged, so he got the message to let me go and he followed my silent direction as he said, “We did.”
Here, with Carter and Chelsea, this was the closest I’d get to a real family of my own.
I ignored that thought. “For now, this is all delicious.”
Tonight, I’d sleep on this and tomorrow I’d give my answer. My lips tingled to taste his kiss again, but I refused to ask for another sample and tempt fate. We weren’t destined for happily-ever-after. If I did marry him for convenience, I’d get to hold my head up high, experience mind-numbing sex, and maybe we could adopt a few more children, just like my parents always did to help other children in need.
This was the best I’d ever get. I’d be foolish to walk away.
Chapter 5
Carter
Last night I’d tossed and turned in my bed. Luckily I had to get up early and check on my horses and ensure everything was ready for the trainer. Henry had been pleasant and eaten his carrots and oats.
Soon I went to shower and start business. The water pelted me but I wasn’t unwound and I knew that Ridley was the source of my unease. She would tell me today if she accepted my proposal and I would find out what her demands might be.
If she said yes, I’d get to know her body intimately. Her kiss had rocked me to my core. I’d also get someone to watch over my father and help with Chelsea. It was all a win. If she said no, I wasn’t sure what I’d do next.
I turned off the water and finished dressing.
Years ago, I’d wondered what she tasted like and now I knew her kiss was sweeter than fine wine and I yearned for deep carnal knowledge.
Possessing her would fulfill a fantasy I’d tucked away in the back of my soul.
I returned to my office. Soft footsteps padded down the hall. My heart thumped.
With the door opened, I stilled and stood in my office and waited.
Part of me wished I had something for her in my office, like jewels, or flowers, or some small gesture to offer her to get her to accept. But as she flung open the door, her hair shimmered like she had brought light with her.
I stood there, unable to move for a few moments. Her hair flowed and her natural curves caught my attention.
Her lips were thin and her face white as she said, “Carter, I’m ready. Let’s talk.”
My heart stopped for a moment and I ignored how my fists were locked. “You look beautiful this morning.”
She tossed her hair behind her head like she was a superstar performing the halftime show at the Superbowl, then said, “The staff showed me where I could do my laundry, so I’m thankful.”
She’d never have to do laundry again if she chose this life, but as I waited for her answer, the tension in my body grew. “Please sit.”
She hugged her waist like she was uncomfortable and said, “Sit next to me or I’ll stand. For what we're talking about, the desk shouldn’t be in the way.”
If she saw my cock was stiff for her like I was a teenage boy again, she’d have leverage. I sat but positioned myself so she’d not see and folded my hands in front of my knees. “Very well.”
I had no right to want the graceful, kind woman. The blood on my hands meant I wasn’t the guy for romance.
Her face turned red as she said, “I’ve been working nonstop since I finished nursing school. I've had heavy student loans burdening me. Now I’ve been managing my life, but honestly, I never thought children or a husband were in my future.”
I scooted closer and lowered my voice when I said, “I’m not expecting this to be some love story like in the movies.”
She met my gaze and my skin jumped in attention when she said, “Me, either. I just wanted to start the conversation with some honesty.”
Our deal wasn’t about two people who fall in love and get married. That wasn’t ever in my future. Even if wanting her was something deep in my psyche I hadn’t known was there. This deal was probably more than I deserved, but I stilled. “Fair enough. I want to add that sex is a non-negotiable.”
She curled her hands around the back of her neck. “How do you see that working?”
A contract. And one where this wasn’t about mutual satisfaction. Contracts meant numbers, so I said, “At least weekly and you know I mean full intercourse.”
A small chuckle escaped her lips like I'd said something funny, but she
nodded. “Okay.”
Our legs briefly touched though clothes had stifled my reaction from her touch. She wore black slacks and I had my jeans on so the barriers were full. “Don’t get me wrong, nightly would be better.”
She lifted her chin and a full giggle escaped. My own lips curved up as she said, “That’s quite an appetite you have.”
My gaze went up and down her body. Her breasts made my hands itch to feel how squishable she’d be. “For you… yes.”
She rolled her shoulders now like she needed a massage. “We don’t even know we work well together.”
I didn’t blink. “We will.”
Her blush was adorable. I don’t remember anyone ever shy near me. Or that hesitation heightened my own desire, though I wasn’t an animal. I’d ensure she was satisfied and we’d work out great. She narrowed her gaze and asked, “How are you sure?”
I reached out and took her hand. A spark rushed in my veins as I asked, “How are you not?”
She trembled, and I lowered my head. “Don’t be nervous.”
She let my hand go and curled it under her waist as she said, “I’m… I want to talk about children.”
My mind raced. Was she for or against little ones? And for once, why wasn’t I paralyzed at the discussion? Dora had complained about her lack of money, tried to talk about life after the SEALs and the mission, but I’d always avoided those topics.
I hadn’t thought to have my own children, but the question made me pause as I asked, “Do you want them?”
The idea of pouring myself inside her hit me and I was ready to take her if she let me.
She glanced at the floor. “I’d like for us to adopt or foster, at least at first, so Chelsea isn’t alone.”
My ego took a hit. I’d like for us to fuck, hard, until we planted a baby in her and her womb visibly grew. Seeing my seed in her belly was something primal that roared up as an immediate desire. Yes, inside, I was an animal.
I tapped my thumb to my chin and asked, “What about one of our own?”
Her eyes widened and she stared at me like a deer caught in my headlights. “Do you want one?”
If I told her how much, she’d run out the door.
Instead, I leaned back and pointed to my house. “I’ve inherited a lot. And while I've never considered having my own child, with you, we can create the next Rockson.”
“Seriously?” Her eyes widened and she rocked a little. “And you’d want that with me?”
Her breasts jiggled under that shirt and my mind quickly imagined them exposed, and my own fingers brushing against them. I shrugged like this was negotiable. “You’d be my wife. But it doesn’t have to be right away.”
She swallowed and asked, “Can we do both?”
Her question caught me off guard. I’d have my new desires met, and she’d help a few more people in the world. This was a deal on my part. I lifted my cheeks. “Sure.”
I hoped to caress her soon, but she asked, “How would the wedding work?”
My skin buzzed but that question stopped me. This might really happen. “Are you agreeing?”
She played with her Peter Pan collar and her face went white. “I need to know when. And how big?”
“I hadn’t…” Honestly, how the vows happen hadn’t crossed my mind at all as I asked, “Do you have a plan?”
I noticed her palms were slightly sweaty until she lowered them. “Yes. Have you seen the old Australian movie Muriel’s Wedding?”
Sounded like a chick flick. I’d read the movie blurb later but said, “No.”
She jumped out of her chair and paced as she said, “Okay, well, then I’ll just say what I want.”
I stood so she didn’t see my cock’s attention to her, but just watched her sexy backside until she turned around and I met her brown-eyed gaze. “That’s always best.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and I stared at her in awe. “I want to plan a wedding and we can test-drive how we are… in bed.”
My muscles tensed. My mind tried to figure out what she wasn’t saying. “So you want time?”
She stepped forward, took my hand and said, “No, I want an event where I’m the bride and people think I’m pretty.”
Huh? Ridley was perfect already. I tilted my head to understand. “You… how about we have a small wedding-"
Tears welled in her eyes. “You don’t want-“
“Let me finish,” I quickly interrupted and she stilled. I held her. “We can plan the wedding of your dreams and you can pick the date. Plan whatever you want, and I’ll be there with my tuxedo to say ‘I do.’”
A small "ha" escaped her lips. She wiped her eyes as she said, “That sounds lovely.”
Marriage was now almost a reality and I squeezed her gently. “So this is a yes and I can have the prenups drawn up?”
She sniffed and then said, “Wait. One more thing.”
I gently stroked her sides as I asked, “What?”
She sucked in her bottom lip. She stared up at me, and I had the sense to kiss her. I stopped myself until she finally let her lower lip out of its prison. “I don’t want my sisters to know this is a business deal.”
I needed to taste her again. Business wasn’t quite what I had in mind with Ridley, but we’d never have the old-fashioned "match made in heaven" most people had.
“You want them to believe we’re in love?”
She tugged her ear. “They’ll argue with me. My older sisters all married for love.”
If that was her dream, then we had no deal. We’d have to figure out what happened next with Chelsea, and if she was pregnant with our child, maybe she’d be satisfied and stay, like I wanted her too. “I see, but you’re sure you don’t want to hold out for love and romance.”
She shook her head, and again, I saw that sparkle of light on her as she asked, “Where the guy shows up with flowers? Yeah, that’s never been my life. I just need to know you’ll pretend in front of them.”
I could handle flowers every day. The attraction in my body was undeniable and ready now, though I ensured she didn’t see my wood. “Now that you mention this, I’d like for my business associates to believe our marriage is legit, so you’ll need to be seen as the blushing, happy bride, in public, too.”
Her smile was genuine. “Not a problem.”
I caressed her cheek as I asked, “And you’ll sign the prenups so I can protect my family's assets?”
She lowered her lashes, and her lips curved toward me as she said, “Of course. My biggest issue is that I’ve never taken time off work to even date really, but I do want a family.”
Soon I’d have more than a kiss with her, but I said, “On a ranch, the work is never-ending. You’ll find a new rhythm here.”
She didn’t blink as she said, “Then we’ve agreed on everything.”
I'd marry my sexy diva.
I lowered my head. “And we seal this deal with a kiss, until tonight.”
She closed her eyes. Our lips brushed and she tasted even sweeter than last time. As our kiss deepened, a zap rushed through me. Her kiss was just a hint of what was to come, and I’d have every inch of her, as mine. Forever.
Chapter 6
Ridley
After I’d strutted out of Carter’s office, I paced my room. I had nowhere else to go or anything to do here. If I called home, someone might talk me out of this plan.
So I’d not tell anyone. Not yet. Not until I could pretend, I was happy with the sexiest man I’d ever met.
The second I'd laid eyes on him, he'd gone from provoking memories to visceral, rugged, and handsome. He made my body ache in places it never had.
Hopefully, my sisters wouldn't ever tell him I kept his picture from the wedding and showed it off, or that dancing with him had been a highlight of my younger life.
He’d get the wrong idea and I was under no illusions. This wasn’t about love. Our agreement was about convenience and Chelsea.
A knock at the door made me jump, but he popped
his head in and my heart thumped in my chest as he asked, “Are you ready to head into town?”
If he stepped in and asked me to strip for him right now, I would. I ignored the goosebumps on my body and swallowed, but said, “Sure.”
He pointed to the door. “We should file right away since it’s a 3 day wait period. That way, we can get going on everything. The lawyers will straighten all the paperwork out and tonight we can tell my dad.”
The marriage was serious for him. Much more than finding out how we were… in bed. I massaged the back of my neck to calm down and propelled myself toward him. “What about Chelsea?”
He opened the door wider and I grabbed my pocketbook. “My dad is registering her for her new school this morning, but we can tell her whenever you want.”
Fair enough. I was more at ease with tasks to accomplish in my day anyhow, so I headed out with him. “Let’s go then.”
We headed to the front door and he held it for me.
Neither of us said a word, but he led me to a blue pick up truck and held my door for me.
For a rich man, his truck seemed… practical, but somehow that made my nerves relax. We couldn’t be alike. Once he joined me and started his truck with an old set of keys instead of a button, he asked, “Do you want to send for anything from your home?”
My eyes narrowed as I tried to guess why he drove such an old truck. Did he lose a bet? Was he more down-to-earth than his house suggested? I ignored the questions as secondary because I never cared about my outfits much and focused on his words. I scratched my scalp and asked, “Send?”
He patted my arm and a shock of awareness washed through me as he said, “If you hand over the key, I can have someone go and pack whatever you need and have it to you tonight.”
“How? That’s fast?”
“I have staff and a jet.”
Money fixed almost everything. At some point, I needed to tell my sisters, but I hoped that would be with a wedding invitation in hand. I forced my back to push into the chair and nodded, “I do miss having more clothes and I'd like the pictures of my family off the wall.”
Wicked Cowboy (Steel Series Book 4) Page 4
